Pullichira Church

Pullichira Church (celebrated across South India as the historic Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Pullichira and one of the oldest and most venerated Marian pilgrim shrines on the Malabar coast), situated along the quiet lake banks of Pullichira near Mayyanad just 12 km south of Kollam city in Kerala, stands as a supreme treasure of early colonial Latin Catholic heritage and architecture.

Originally established in the 16th century AD (circa 1572 AD) by Portuguese Franciscan and Jesuit missionaries upon ancient trade routes connecting Quilon with Anjengo, this historic church was later reconstructed by Dutch and native master builders, earning wide acclaim across Travancore for housing the miraculous 16th century wooden statue of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception (affectionately known as 'Pullichira Amma') brought directly from Portugal.

It's the home of an imposing Portuguese Baroque facade decorated with soaring twin bell towers, classical Romanesque arched entrances, intricately carved wooden altars coated in gold leaf, the sacred 450 year-old Portuguese ivory teak Marian icon, the scenic waterfront promenade along Pullichira freshwater lake, the sacred grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, an ancient stone baptismal font, and the massive annual 10 day Marian Feast culminating on the second Sunday of December with colorful candlelit boat processions across the lake.

It represents a rich architectural, spiritual, and maritime sanctuary where 16th century Portuguese missionary history, lakeside Marian festival traditions, Latin Catholic liturgy, and tranquil Mayyanad coastal backwater charm unite in Kollam taluk.

Located in Mayyanad panchayat along the coastal bypass, it sits just 3 km from Mayyanad Railway Station (MYY), 12 km from Kollam Junction (QLN), and 58 km from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), easily accessible by local passenger trains, town buses, and private taxis.

The 1572 Portuguese Foundation & Marian Miracle Icon

According to church archives, the antique statue of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception arrived in Quilon on a Portuguese merchant vessel in the 1570s.

Revered by Christians, Hindus, and Muslims alike, devotees attribute miraculous healings, child blessings, and family reconciliations to prayers before Pullichira Amma.

Truth is, standing before the gilded timber altar as evening sunlight reflects across the quiet surface of Pullichira Lake creates an aura of profound peace.

Portuguese Baroque Architecture & Gilded Altars

The Historic Altarpiece: The sanctuary features towering retablo altars hand carved from seasoned teak, showcasing cherubs, floral garlands, and gold leaf finish.

Colonial Bell Towers: The twin towers house antique bronze bells cast in Europe, whose deep resonant chimes carry across Mayyanad and Paravur backwaters.

The Grand December Feast & Water Procession

Ten Day Marian Jubilee: The annual feast begins with the ceremonial flag hoisting, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims from across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Illuminated Boat Pageant: A key highlight is the midnight water procession where the decorated Marian float glides across the lake amidst floating oil lamps.

After exploring the historical heritage of Pullichira Church, visit the peaceful coastal village of Mayyanad, cruise the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake, or tour the 144 foot Thangassery Lighthouse in Kollam.